Introducing Project Simplify

As I've been working on clearing out our house this year, I've realized that even when you're highly motivated, it can be hard to know where to start. Once you make progress in one corner, you realize the 10 other places that could use an hour or two as well. There is always another "hotspot".

When I saw the Project Simplify challenge on a Blog that I follow, I was instantly thrilled. Here's the basic premise ...

Each Monday, a hotspot is selected and posted. You take a "BEFORE" picture of that area. Then, over the week, you work on that one specific area. Declutter. Clean. Maybe ... decorate?? Then on Friday, you post your "AFTER" picture. Then, sit and revel in progress and accomplishment.

This could be a great way to get a few specific places tackled.
Here is the original post introducing Project Simplify. Check it out!

2011 Goals for my House

Our houses are where we spend the bulk of our time. It's also, for most of us, the biggest investment we have.

So what do you want to do yours in 2011? Here are my home goals for this year ....


#1: To dramatically reduce the contents of our house
The motivation behind this is from a continuing conviction that we have too much. The Francis Chan message that I posted earlier this month really summed it up pretty well. As he says, we truly are filthy rich in this country. In a separate post I will explain more, but we have started on a journey to get rid of our stuff. Half of it. I have to warn you, though, that when you start getting rid of stuff, you start learning some very interesting about yourself and your things.

#2: To develop a working chore system
My children are almost always eager and willing to help out and I do have them help here and there. This year, I would like to come up with a more consistent approach to chores so that they have consistent jobs throughout the week that contribute to our family and the cleanliness of our house.

#3: To open our home to guests more often
I have to confess that I'm not so quick to want to have people over. Bert is much more outgoing and social than I am. We are moving from a focus on stuff, to those things, like people, that are truly of value. Opening our house is a key piece. I have this idea that once there is less clutter (see Goal No. 1) and the house is cleaner (see Goal No.2) that I will feel more comfortable entertaining more often.

How about you?